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Drinkwitz Is Good — But He Might Be Overrated If We Want to Be Elite
Posted on 11/17/25 at 10:43 am
Posted on 11/17/25 at 10:43 am
I want to be clear up front — I’m not a Drinkwitz hater. Compared to the Odom years, he’s done a great job stabilizing the program, upgrading talent, and delivering some exciting seasons. But if the goal is becoming elite, actually competing for CFP spots every year, we need to look past the shiny record and look at who he beats and who he doesn’t.
When you break down his résumé — ranked teams, CFP top-25 opponents, top-10 opponents, and teams with winning records — the résumé looks more average than “elite.”
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2021–2025: The Resume Beneath the Surface
2021 LSU “Signature Win” — Completely Overrated
People still cling to this one like it was some monumental upset.
Reality check:
LSU finished 6–7 in 2021
3–5 in SEC
Lost the Texas Bowl
Locker room was a disaster, Orgeron was on his way out
This wasn’t a powerhouse LSU team. It wasn’t even a good LSU team.
It was a broken, losing program. Calling that a major win is a reach.
---
2023 Season: Great Record, But Look Closer
Record vs Ranked Teams at Game Time (2023):
4–2
Wins: Kansas State, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio State (Cotton Bowl)
Losses: LSU, Georgia
Record vs Final CFP Top-25 (2023): 2–2
Record vs Final CFP Top-10 (2023): 0–1
Vs Winning / .500 / Losing Teams (2023):
Vs winning teams: 4–2
Vs .500 teams: 2–0
Vs losing teams: 5–0
? He beat the teams he should beat. The elite teams? Not so much.
---
About That “Signature” Cotton Bowl Win Over Ohio State
People call this one proof that Drinkwitz can beat the biggest programs in the country.
But context matters:
Ohio State was missing multiple star players
Several starters opted out
Key playmakers on offense and defense were out
The Buckeyes were basically a B-team roster by kickoff
A win is a win — but if you’re using this as “Drinkwitz can take down national powers,” you’re stretching it. That was not the Ohio State that plays in the CFP every year.
---
2023 Kansas State Win — Also Overrated
Ranked at the time, sure. But:
K-State finished 9–4
Not top-10
Not a playoff contender
Solid team, not elite
Another good win, but not a program-changing one.
---
2024 Season – Regression vs Elite Teams
Lost to ranked Alabama
Didn’t beat any CFP top-10 teams
Again: beat the beatable, struggled in the games that actually matter for elite status
---
2025 Season (So Far)
As of today:
7–3 overall
3–3 SEC
No wins against teams that project to finish in the CFP Top-10
Again, the wins are against teams with average or below-average records
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Big Picture: Good Coach, But Not Elite
I’ll absolutely give Drinkwitz his credit:
He recruits well
He develops players
He’s better than Odom
He stabilized the program and made Mizzou fun again
But if your goal is respectable, he’s your guy.
If your goal is elite, competing for championships, beating top-10 teams consistently, and moving into national contention?
He hasn’t shown the ability to do that. Not yet.
His résumé is built on:
Beating .500 or losing teams
Occasional wins over “good, not great” teams
No consistent wins over CFP top-10 teams
“Signature” wins that come with context and asterisks
That’s why I say he’s basically:
One level higher than Butch Jones at Tennessee — good, but not elite.
Drinkwitz is the bridge.
But he might not be the guy that gets Mizzou to the other side.
When you break down his résumé — ranked teams, CFP top-25 opponents, top-10 opponents, and teams with winning records — the résumé looks more average than “elite.”
---
2021–2025: The Resume Beneath the Surface
2021 LSU “Signature Win” — Completely Overrated
People still cling to this one like it was some monumental upset.
Reality check:
LSU finished 6–7 in 2021
3–5 in SEC
Lost the Texas Bowl
Locker room was a disaster, Orgeron was on his way out
This wasn’t a powerhouse LSU team. It wasn’t even a good LSU team.
It was a broken, losing program. Calling that a major win is a reach.
---
2023 Season: Great Record, But Look Closer
Record vs Ranked Teams at Game Time (2023):
4–2
Wins: Kansas State, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio State (Cotton Bowl)
Losses: LSU, Georgia
Record vs Final CFP Top-25 (2023): 2–2
Record vs Final CFP Top-10 (2023): 0–1
Vs Winning / .500 / Losing Teams (2023):
Vs winning teams: 4–2
Vs .500 teams: 2–0
Vs losing teams: 5–0
? He beat the teams he should beat. The elite teams? Not so much.
---
About That “Signature” Cotton Bowl Win Over Ohio State
People call this one proof that Drinkwitz can beat the biggest programs in the country.
But context matters:
Ohio State was missing multiple star players
Several starters opted out
Key playmakers on offense and defense were out
The Buckeyes were basically a B-team roster by kickoff
A win is a win — but if you’re using this as “Drinkwitz can take down national powers,” you’re stretching it. That was not the Ohio State that plays in the CFP every year.
---
2023 Kansas State Win — Also Overrated
Ranked at the time, sure. But:
K-State finished 9–4
Not top-10
Not a playoff contender
Solid team, not elite
Another good win, but not a program-changing one.
---
2024 Season – Regression vs Elite Teams
Lost to ranked Alabama
Didn’t beat any CFP top-10 teams
Again: beat the beatable, struggled in the games that actually matter for elite status
---
2025 Season (So Far)
As of today:
7–3 overall
3–3 SEC
No wins against teams that project to finish in the CFP Top-10
Again, the wins are against teams with average or below-average records
---
Big Picture: Good Coach, But Not Elite
I’ll absolutely give Drinkwitz his credit:
He recruits well
He develops players
He’s better than Odom
He stabilized the program and made Mizzou fun again
But if your goal is respectable, he’s your guy.
If your goal is elite, competing for championships, beating top-10 teams consistently, and moving into national contention?
He hasn’t shown the ability to do that. Not yet.
His résumé is built on:
Beating .500 or losing teams
Occasional wins over “good, not great” teams
No consistent wins over CFP top-10 teams
“Signature” wins that come with context and asterisks
That’s why I say he’s basically:
One level higher than Butch Jones at Tennessee — good, but not elite.
Drinkwitz is the bridge.
But he might not be the guy that gets Mizzou to the other side.
6
Posted on 11/17/25 at 11:06 am to Thicker_Poster
I'm all about putting the tOSU win in perspective. It was a meaningless game that Drink failed to build upon. But lets be correct about who was missing what. Mizzou had more NFL players missing that game than tOSU and we still beat them. But again, it was a meaningless game as nothing was on the line. Drink needs that kind of win in the regular season or he'll never make the playoffs.
Regardless, he hasn't earned the money we are paying him. If he leaves, that is OK. Just dont give him another raise...unless he wins at OU this weekend.
Regardless, he hasn't earned the money we are paying him. If he leaves, that is OK. Just dont give him another raise...unless he wins at OU this weekend.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 11:22 am to Thicker_Poster
Drink's best or most satisfying win was the mudhole he stomped in Chumley Huepel. Signature? Meh.
- We have seen what Drink is as a recruiter (excellent).
- We have seen Drink improve as a recruiter of defensive coaches (very good).
- We have seen Drink's running offense be generally good to great.
- What we haven't seen is Drink recruit or develop an elite quarterback or a decent OC, including himself.
In an ideal world I hope Drink asks for (and receives) more NIL committments while the powers that be ask for (and receive) a change in offense, including a new coordinator with fresh ideas along with a quarterback whisperer QB coach who finally bring some danger in the passing game. It would be a win-win all around.
The biggest equalizer in football is elite quarterback play and we haven't had one in far too long.
- We have seen what Drink is as a recruiter (excellent).
- We have seen Drink improve as a recruiter of defensive coaches (very good).
- We have seen Drink's running offense be generally good to great.
- What we haven't seen is Drink recruit or develop an elite quarterback or a decent OC, including himself.
In an ideal world I hope Drink asks for (and receives) more NIL committments while the powers that be ask for (and receive) a change in offense, including a new coordinator with fresh ideas along with a quarterback whisperer QB coach who finally bring some danger in the passing game. It would be a win-win all around.
The biggest equalizer in football is elite quarterback play and we haven't had one in far too long.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 11:33 am to Thicker_Poster
Just wanted to clarify — I’m not trying to be negative on Drinkwitz or the program. I just want to put things in perspective given some of the excitement and media hype floating around.
The reality is: Mizzou has never been an elite program. The wins against LSU, Kansas State, and Ohio State were great for where we were, but we need to be honest about what that means in the broader SEC and national picture.
We’re still levels above where the Odom era left us. Drinkwitz has recruited well, developed talent, and gotten the program respect. That’s a big deal — we should celebrate it.
Right now, I’d place Eli a level above Butch Jones at Tennessee — that’s where he is today, not necessarily where he’ll be in a year or two. That’s important to remember: his current status is strong, but we can’t project elite-level success prematurely.
At the same time, until proven otherwise, we shouldn’t expect Mizzou to consistently beat the Bamas and the Georges of the world. Those programs are built differently, and elite status takes sustained wins against top-10 teams, something we haven’t consistently shown yet.
So, again — not trying to downplay those wins. They were important, meaningful victories for the program. But until we see a trend of beating the truly elite programs, we are what we are. Respect the progress, enjoy the wins, but let’s pump the brakes on expecting instant elite-level results.
Patience is the key — and if this trajectory continues, the next few years will be very telling for Drinkwitz and the Tigers.
The reality is: Mizzou has never been an elite program. The wins against LSU, Kansas State, and Ohio State were great for where we were, but we need to be honest about what that means in the broader SEC and national picture.
We’re still levels above where the Odom era left us. Drinkwitz has recruited well, developed talent, and gotten the program respect. That’s a big deal — we should celebrate it.
Right now, I’d place Eli a level above Butch Jones at Tennessee — that’s where he is today, not necessarily where he’ll be in a year or two. That’s important to remember: his current status is strong, but we can’t project elite-level success prematurely.
At the same time, until proven otherwise, we shouldn’t expect Mizzou to consistently beat the Bamas and the Georges of the world. Those programs are built differently, and elite status takes sustained wins against top-10 teams, something we haven’t consistently shown yet.
So, again — not trying to downplay those wins. They were important, meaningful victories for the program. But until we see a trend of beating the truly elite programs, we are what we are. Respect the progress, enjoy the wins, but let’s pump the brakes on expecting instant elite-level results.
Patience is the key — and if this trajectory continues, the next few years will be very telling for Drinkwitz and the Tigers.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 11:56 am to Mizz-SEC
I think Drink's running game is quite a bit overrated. He really knows how to pile up stats vs bad defenses but the running game has never appeared in our big games. The running game has to be more dynamic and unpredictable so we can start having running success against top 10 teams.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 1:02 pm to Thicker_Poster
Three points
1. He has never had an above average QB while here.
2. It took him a minute to get his guys.
3. He needs to figure out a good OC.
1. He has never had an above average QB while here.
2. It took him a minute to get his guys.
3. He needs to figure out a good OC.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 1:52 pm to Thicker_Poster
Stop with the numbers. Doesn't tell the true story.
Fact! 2023 team was a NC team. The season was undone by 2 distinct errors. Brady Cook threw 2 horrendous INTs. Can't blame Drink for that.
Fact! Drink recruited 1 of the best QBs in the country, but Horn never developed because of injuries. No one saw that coming from a kid who had no injury history in HS.
Fact! Mizzou beats #1 UGA, but their safety didn't give up on the play and caught Shrader at the 2 yard line. No one talks about that play, but if Shrader scores, Mizzou is on a different trajectory.
Fact! QB is the most important position in all of sports. Drink had Jaden Daniels ready to transfer in. LSU missed on their target and then paid Daniel's mother to get a quick visit. Where would Mizzou be if Daniels had come in.
It's not the numbers, its the little decisions that seem not to mean alot when they happen. Those are the things that put a team over the top. Other teams with the same struggle:
FSU
Miami
Notre Dame
A&M
Tennessee
Florida
Ole Miss
Not bad company.
Fact! 2023 team was a NC team. The season was undone by 2 distinct errors. Brady Cook threw 2 horrendous INTs. Can't blame Drink for that.
Fact! Drink recruited 1 of the best QBs in the country, but Horn never developed because of injuries. No one saw that coming from a kid who had no injury history in HS.
Fact! Mizzou beats #1 UGA, but their safety didn't give up on the play and caught Shrader at the 2 yard line. No one talks about that play, but if Shrader scores, Mizzou is on a different trajectory.
Fact! QB is the most important position in all of sports. Drink had Jaden Daniels ready to transfer in. LSU missed on their target and then paid Daniel's mother to get a quick visit. Where would Mizzou be if Daniels had come in.
It's not the numbers, its the little decisions that seem not to mean alot when they happen. Those are the things that put a team over the top. Other teams with the same struggle:
FSU
Miami
Notre Dame
A&M
Tennessee
Florida
Ole Miss
Not bad company.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 2:04 pm to surgicalvenom
quote:
FSU
Miami
Notre Dame
A&M
Tennessee
Florida
Ole Miss
Not bad company.
You cant say we are in the same company as anyone who has made the playoffs.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 2:05 pm to Thicker_Poster
He is only 42 which I think is something that should be considered in the whole thing.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 2:28 pm to notsince98
Why not? Making the playoff one year doesn't guarantee sustained success. If you're not Bama, UGA or Ohio State you always need a handful of things to fall your way in the modern game. Michigan and FSU are prime examples. TCU lost their senior QB and went back to obscurity. Tennessee has been so close to solving the QB riddle, they thought Nico was the key. Arizona State back to obscurity. How about Washington without a NFL talent at QB? Notre Dame will get back in, but they don't have the team to make noise.
The key is get to that top line, and hope those little things bounce your way. That's what Drink has done.
The key is get to that top line, and hope those little things bounce your way. That's what Drink has done.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 2:36 pm to notsince98
quote:
Regardless, he hasn't earned the money we are paying him. If he leaves, that is OK. Just dont give him another raise...unless he wins at OU this weekend.
Now is the time to show the big $$$ donors and these Fortune 500 companies what your made of. Beat Oklahoma
He's gotten everything he's asked for with facilities. He's gotten great NIL support, fan support, etc.
Problem with him is he i too loyal with his staff. There are at least a couple coaches that need to be fired when the season is over.
I don't care one way or another if he stays or goes. He needs to make changes if he stays
It's time to show me or kick rocks.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 3:03 pm to ZouKeeper314
quote:
Fact! Mizzou beats #1 UGA, but their safety didn't give up on the play and caught Shrader at the 2 yard line. No one talks about that play, but if Shrader scores, Mizzou is on a different trajectory.
Fact: Mizzou lost that game so it's a moot point
quote:
Problem with him is he i too loyal with his staff. There are at least a couple coaches that need to be fired when the season is over.
I agree. He's gotta show some ball and fire Moore. We can't look like world beaters against .500 and below, then run the same plays and expect the same results against the big boys.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 3:31 pm to surgicalvenom
quote:
Why not? Making the playoff one year doesn't guarantee sustained success.
No but it is clearly a level Drink hasn't got to. Gotta give those other schools credit for getting there.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 4:20 pm to notsince98
What I mean is they get there because 1 or 2 things go their way and the next year they don't. It's the new look of CFB.
Here's a good example. Ole Miss found Chambliss late in the transfer cycle and the kid has been money. But they didn't want him. You know who Kiffin wanted, Pribula. No way OleMiss is this good with Pribula.
Lane will get credit, but had he gotten his way, they have 3 losses.
Here's a good example. Ole Miss found Chambliss late in the transfer cycle and the kid has been money. But they didn't want him. You know who Kiffin wanted, Pribula. No way OleMiss is this good with Pribula.
Lane will get credit, but had he gotten his way, they have 3 losses.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 5:16 pm to ZouKeeper314
quote:
Now is the time to show the big $$$ donors and these Fortune 500 companies what your made of. Beat Oklahoma
But he’s not going to.
We’re going to look colossally inept on offense, put up 15-20 points with a little luck and some solid defense thrown in there. And we’re going to lose 27-18ish. And we’ll hear how Eli should do better and that there’s a bunch of sad young men in that locker room who expected to win.
Rinse. Repeat.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 6:54 pm to the808bass
Drink has gotten everything he’s asked for and is still bitching. His recruiting is outstanding but his coaching sucks. Who would you take pre NIL, drink or Pinkel? Pinkel would run circles around him in game.
Drink needs to nut up and win some meaningful games or move on. His recent actions, comments have put me in the camp of maybe he should move on.
Drink needs to nut up and win some meaningful games or move on. His recent actions, comments have put me in the camp of maybe he should move on.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 8:19 pm to surgicalvenom
Lane is good at coaching QBs. Pribula would have been fine.
Posted on 11/17/25 at 10:04 pm to Arktigers
Yes...Drink has no business even insinuating NIL, Corp sponsors, etc. as an issue. The dude has the tools and resources literally every single coach prior to him could only dream of. The school and fanbase have bent over backwards for him and this program...we don't need him trying to bend us over frontwards.
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